School Counselor Salary in Albuquerque, NM: $57,133 (2026)

School Counselor Pay in Albuquerque: What to Expect (2026)

Albuquerque offers a median school counselor salary of $57,133, which is $1,203 above the New Mexico state average of $55,930. Compared to the national median of $60,140, Albuquerque pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Albuquerque's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for school counselors in Albuquerque spans from $36,290 at the 10th percentile to $90,060 at the 90th percentile — a $53,770 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,750. As a major metro area with a population of 564,559, Albuquerque typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

School Counselor Salary in Albuquerque by Experience

In Albuquerque, an entry-level school counselor earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$38,000

$-2,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,000

$-3,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$80,750

$-4,250 vs national

Percentile	Albuquerque	NM State	National
10th Percentile	$36,290	$35,526	$38,200
25th Percentile	$44,650	$43,710	$47,000
Median (50th)	$57,133	$55,930	$60,140
75th Percentile	$72,390	$70,866	$76,200
90th Percentile	$90,060	$88,164	$94,800

Percentile

Albuquerque

10th Percentile

$36,290

25th Percentile

$44,650

Median (50th)

$57,133

75th Percentile

$72,390

90th Percentile

$90,060

How to Become a School Counselor in Albuquerque

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Albuquerque and the surrounding New Mexico area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Albuquerque may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Albuquerque

How much does a School Counselor make in Albuquerque, NM? ▼

The median school counselor salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico is $57,133 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $36,290 (10th percentile) to $90,060 (90th percentile).

How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Albuquerque? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $57,133, a school counselor in Albuquerque earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Albuquerque compare to the New Mexico state average for school counselor pay? ▼

Albuquerque's median school counselor salary of $57,133 is 2.2% above the New Mexico state average of $55,930. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Albuquerque, NM? ▼

Albuquerque has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a school counselor salary of $57,133 in Albuquerque has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Albuquerque? ▼

Most school counselor positions in Albuquerque require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

School Counselor Salary in Albuquerque, New Mexico